On Systematic Performance of 3-D Holographic MIMO: Clarke, Kronecker, and 3GPP Models

Holographic multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) has emerged as a key enabler for 6G networks, yet conventional planar implementations suffer from spatial correlation and mutual coupling at sub-wavelength spacing, which fundamentally limit the effective degrees of freedom (EDOF) and channel capacity. Three-dimensional (3-D) holographic MIMO offers a pathway to overcome these constraints by exploiting volumetric array configurations that enlarge the effective aperture and unlock additional spatial modes. This work presents the first systematic evaluation that jointly incorporates electromagnetic (EM) characteristics, such as mutual coupling and radiation efficiency, into the analysis of 3-D arrays under Clarke, Kronecker, and standardized 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) channel models. Analytical derivations and full-wave simulations demonstrate that 3-D architectures achieve higher EDOF, narrower beamwidths, and notable capacity improvements compared with planar baselines. In 3GPP urban macro channels with horizontal element spacing of 0.3λ, 3-D configurations yield approximately 20% capacity improvement over conventional 2-D arrays under the same element spacing and aperture size, confirming the robustness and scalability of volumetric designs under realistic conditions. These findings bridge the gap between theoretical feasibility and practical deployment, offering design guidance for next-generation 6G base station arrays.